U.S. patent application number 11/945111 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for system and method for repeater in a power line network.
This patent application is currently assigned to Asoka USA Corporation. Invention is credited to Tat Keung Chan, Ray Liang.
Application Number | 20090135848 11/945111 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40669646 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090135848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chan; Tat Keung ; et
al. |
May 28, 2009 |
System and Method for Repeater in a Power Line Network
Abstract
System and method for repeater in a power line network.
According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method
for power line communication network. The method includes providing
a virtual local area network (VLAN), which VLAN includes at least a
repeater, a client, and a gateway. The VLAN is associated with a
network encryption key. The repeater is associated with a first
identification. The client is associated with a second
identification. The gateway is associated with a third
identification. The first identification and the third
identification are a service identification type. The second
identification is a client identification type. The method also
includes providing a power line network that is configured to
transmit data through OFDM signaling. The method includes sending a
first data packet in first format from the client through the power
line network. The method additionally includes receiving the first
data packet by the repeater through the power line network at
through a first network interface.
Inventors: |
Chan; Tat Keung; (South San
Francisco, CA) ; Liang; Ray; (Shenzhen, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER, EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Asoka USA Corporation
Foster City
CA
|
Family ID: |
40669646 |
Appl. No.: |
11/945111 |
Filed: |
November 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/464 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 12/4641 20130101;
H04B 3/58 20130101; H04L 27/2601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/464 |
International
Class: |
H04J 15/00 20060101
H04J015/00 |
Claims
1. A method for power line communication network, the method
comprising: providing a virtual local area network (VLAN), the VLAN
including at least a repeater, a client, and a gateway, the VLAN
being associated with a network encryption key, the repeater being
associated with a first identification, the client being associated
with a second identification, the gateway being associated with a
third identification, the first identification and the third
identification being a service identification type, the second
identification being a client identification type; providing a
power line network, the power line network being configured to
transmit data through OFDM signaling; sending a first data packet
in first format from the client through the power line network;
receiving the first data packet by the repeater through the power
line network at through a first network interface; converting the
first data packet from the first format to a second format by a
power line module of the repeater; processing the first data packet
by a network processor of the repeater; determining at least
routing information based at least on the second identification by
the network processor; updating the first data packet by the
network processor; converting the processed first data packet from
the second format to the first format; sending the processed first
data packet to the power line network through the first network
interface; and receiving the processed first data packet by the
gateway.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving the first
data packet from the client by the gateway; determining by the
gateway whether to receive the processed first packet from the
repeater.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: generating a second
data packet by the network processor; sending the second data
packet through the first network interface.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first data packet comprises a
first segment, the first segment including information for the
second identification.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending a second data
packet from the gateway to the client through the power line
network in response to the first data packet.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the first identification has an ID
value of between 2049 to 4096.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the second identification has an
ID value of between 1 to 2048.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the first data packet comprises a
broadcast data packet.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising receiving the first
data packet by the gateway directly from the client through the
power line network.
10. A system for a repeater in a power line network, the system
comprising: a coupler being coupled to a power line network, the
power line network including a virtual local area network (VLAN),
the VLAN being associated with a first network encryption key, the
system being associated with a first identification, the first
identification being associated with a service identification type;
an analog front end module being adapted to receive and send a
first data packet in a first format, the first format comprising an
orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) format, the analog
front end module being coupled to the coupler, the first data
including a first segment and a second segment, the first segment
including a second identification, the second identification being
associated with a client identification type; a power line module
being configured to receive and convert the first data packet from
the analog front end from the first format to a second format, and
further being configured to convert a second data packet from the
second format into a second format, the power line module being
adapted to send a second data packet, the second data packet being
associated with a third identification; a network processor being
configured to process the first data packet in the second format,
the network processor being adapted to determine routing
information based at least on the second identification, the
network processor further being adapted to update the second
segment to include information associated with the first
identification.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the second format comprises an
IP format.
12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a network interface,
the network interface being adapted to couple to a RJ45
connection.
13. The system of claim 10 wherein the first data packet comprises
a broadcast message.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein the power line module includes a
port, the port being configured to receive the first data packet
and transmit the second data packet.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein the virtual area network
includes a gateway and a client, the gateway and the client being
associated with the first network encryption key.
16. The system of claim 10 wherein the client identification type
uses identification ID numbers range from 1 to 2048.
17. The system of claim 10 wherein the service identification type
uses identification ID numbers range from 2049 to 4096.
18. The system of claim 10 wherein the network processor determines
that the first data packet is an incoming packet based on the
second identification.
19. The system of claim 10 wherein if the first identification
comprises a VLAN identification (VID).
20. The system of claim 10 wherein the first segment comprises a
header.
21. The system of claim 10 wherein the first segment comprises a
trailer.
22. The system of claim 10 wherein the second segment comprises
data.
23. The system of claim 10 wherein if the network processor
determines that the first data packet is an uplink packet if the
second identification is associated with a client entity.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to power line
networking techniques. More particularly, the invention provides an
apparatus for a repeater in a high speed power line network. Merely
by way of example, the invention has been applied in a local area
network environment, where the range of power line communication
network is extended through the use of repeaters, but it would be
recognized that other applications exist. The invention can also be
applied to building area networking, home networking, office
networking, apartments, any combination of these, and other
networking applications.
[0002] With the advent of computer and network technologies,
telecommunication techniques in the recent years have quickly
developed. Among others, data communication has become a necessity
for the lives of many people. People use data telecommunication
networks for a variety of applications, such as the Internet, file
transfer, emails, and more recently, media contents.
[0003] Many types of network architectures are currently being
used, and more often than not, a network often consists of
different network architectures. In recent year, power line
communication networks have been gaining popularity. Using existing
power lines, power line networks are often cheaper to implement
than other types of networks, as no dedicated network cable is
required. Typically, power line networks are deployed as a part of
a local area network. Sometimes, power line networks are
implemented in conjunction with wireless networks, thereby
improving performance and reliability.
[0004] One of the challenges to using power line communication
networks has been the limited range of certain types of power line
network signals. To address this problem, various types of
conventional repeaters have been developed for power line networks.
Unfortunately, these conventional repeaters are often
inadequate.
[0005] Therefore, improved system and method for power line network
repeater is desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates generally to power line
networking techniques. More particularly, the invention provides an
apparatus for a repeater in a high speed power line network. Merely
by way of example, the invention has been applied in a local area
network environment, where the range of power line communication
network is extended through the use of repeaters, but it would be
recognized that other applications exist. The invention can also be
applied to building area networking, home networking, office
networking, apartments, any combination of these, and other
networking applications.
[0007] In various embodiments, the present invention provides a
repeater system in a power line communication network where only a
single power line module is used. A network processor, through the
use of unique virtual local area identification scheme, is able to
process both uplink and downlink data.
[0008] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a
method for power line communication network. The method includes
providing a virtual local area network (VLAN), which VLAN includes
at least a repeater, a client, and a gateway. The VLAN is
associated with a network encryption key. The repeater is
associated with a first identification. The client is associated
with a second identification. The gateway is associated with a
third identification. The first identification and the third
identification are a service identification type. The second
identification is a client identification type. The method also
includes providing a power line network that is configured to
transmit data through OFDM signaling. The method includes sending a
first data packet in first format from the client through the power
line network. The method additionally includes receiving the first
data packet by the repeater through the power line network at
through a first network interface. The method further includes
converting the first data packet from the first format to a second
format by a power line module of the repeater. The method further
includes processing the first data packet by a network processor of
the repeater. In addition, the method includes determining at least
routing information based at least on the second identification by
the network processor. Also, the method includes updating the first
data packet by the network processor. Moreover, the method includes
converting the processed first data packet from the second format
to the first format. The method includes sending the processed
first data packet to the power line network through the first
network interface. Additionally, the method includes receiving the
processed first data packet by the gateway.
[0009] According to another embodiment, the present invention
provides a system for a repeater in a power line network. The
system includes a coupler being coupled to a power line network,
which includes a virtual local area network (VLAN). The VLAN is
associated with a first network encryption key. For example, the
VLAN is on top of a power line communication network, which uses
only one NEK. The system is associated with a first identification
that is associated with a service identification type. The system
also includes an analog front end module that is adapted to receive
and send a first data packet in a first format. The first format
comprises an orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) format.
The analog front end module is coupled to the coupler. The first
data includes a first segment and a second segment. The first
segment includes a second identification, the second identification
being associated with a client identification type. The system also
includes a power line module being configured to receive and
convert the first data packet from the analog front end from the
first format to a second format and further being configured to
convert a second data packet from the second format into a second
format. The power line module is adapted to send a second data
packet, the second data packet being associated with a third
identification. In addition, the system includes a network
processor that is configured to process the first data packet in
the second format. The network processor is adapted to determine
routing information based at least on the second identification.
The network processor is further adapted to update the second
segment to include information associated with the first
identification.
[0010] It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present
invention provides various advantages over conventional techniques.
Among other things, by using a single, instead of multiple, power
line module to implement repeaters, the cost and the size of
repeater systems are greatly reduced. In addition, through software
controls, the repeater systems according to the present invention
provide an efficient and effective way to route network traffic
with added security features. Furthermore, it is to be appreciated
that certain embodiment of the present invention are backward
compatible and can be implemented in conjunction with existing
power line systems. There are other benefits as well.
[0011] Various additional objects, features and advantages of the
present invention can be more fully appreciated with reference to
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings that
follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a conventional
power line network repeater.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a power line
network repeater according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the
processing of a downlink data packet according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the
processing of an uplink data packet according to an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating a repeater
system being used in a power line communication network according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a simplified network flow diagram illustrating the
operation of a repeater system in a power line communication
network.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating a power line
network system that uses two repeater systems according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a simplified network flow diagram illustrating the
operation of a repeater system in a power line communication
network.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention relates generally to power line
networking techniques. More particularly, the invention provides an
apparatus for a repeater in a high speed power line network. Merely
by way of example, the invention has been applied in a local area
network environment, where the range of power line communication
network is extended through the use of repeaters, but it would be
recognized that other applications exist. The invention can also be
applied to building area networking, home networking, office
networking, apartments, any combination of these, and other
networking applications.
[0021] As stated above, conventional power line network repeaters
are often inadequate. Typically, conventional repeaters requires to
interfaces: one for receiving and one for transmitting. For power
line communication related applications, two or more power line
modules (one for each interface) are often necessary.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a conventional
power line network repeater. As shown, the repeater has two power
line communication (PLC) modules. Typically, one PLC module is
specifically used for receiving incoming data, and the other PLC
module is used for sending outgoing data. Typically, each PLC
module is identified by a network address (e.g., port number,
etc.). For example, the network traffic is separated into incoming
and outing when the network processor processes (e.g., determine
routing information, update data packet header, etc.) data
traffic.
[0023] Embodiments of the present invention offer various
advantages over conventional techniques. Among other things,
repeaters according to the present invention are specifically
configured to intelligently control the traffic. For example, only
a single PLC module is used in a repeater system according to the
present invention. The network processor use software control to
determine where the data packets are coming from or going to. In
various embodiments, the network processor determines routing
information for data packets based on virtual local area network
(VLAN) identification. For example, the use of VLAN in a power line
network is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,136,936, which is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a power line
network repeater according to an embodiment of the present
invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not
unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the
art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and
modifications.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, a power line repeater system 200
includes the following components:
[0026] 1. a network processor 201;
[0027] 2. a wireless access point 202;
[0028] 3. a memory 203;
[0029] 4. an ether port 205;
[0030] 5. a power line chip 207;
[0031] 6. an analog front end (AFE) 209;
[0032] 7. a transmit device 204;
[0033] 8. a receive device 208;
[0034] 9. a switch device 206; and
[0035] 10. a coupler 212.
[0036] According to various embodiments, the power line repeater
system 200 is to provide network services (e.g., extend the range
of power line devices) in a power line network where a virtual
local area network is adapted. Network entities (such as gateway,
repeater, etc.) are identified by a unique VLAN identification. For
example, a VLAN ID may be indicated by predetermined field for the
VLAN ID in a data packet on the power line network. In a specific
application, network clients in a power line network are identified
by VLAN IDs that have values range from 1 to 2047, while network
service entities (e.g., repeater, router, etc.) are identified by
VLAN IDs that have values range from 2048-4096. The VLAN IDs in
various applications also help provide network security in
conjunction with network encryption keys (NEK). For example, each
VLAN is identified by a single NEK, and the VLAN ID is used to
differentiate and allow policy control for network entities within
a VLAN. In various embodiments, all VLAN ID share same NEK, which
differs from conventional PLC repeaters which use two SM (simple
module). For example, only one NEK is allowed on each SM.
[0037] The repeater system 200 has the power line chip 207, called
herein "PLC" chip, which is coupled between the network processor
201 and an analog front end 209 device. As shown, the PLC is
coupled to the analog front end (AFE) device and/or module. The AFE
module interfaces between the PLC chip and a phase coupler 619
according to a specific embodiment. Between the AFE and coupler is
transmit 204 and receive 208 devices according to a specific
embodiment. A switching device 206 couples to the AFE chip and
transmit device according to a specific embodiment. Further details
of the power line chip, AFE, TX/RX devices, and coupler are
provided throughout the present specification and more particularly
below.
[0038] In a specific embodiment, the power line chip 207 can be any
suitable power line integrated circuit chips and/or chip sets. As
merely an example, the power line chip 207 is an integrated circuit
chip sold under part number 5500CS manufactured by INTELLON
CORPORATION of Florida. Here, the chip can be a single-chip power
line networking controller with integrated MII/GPSI, USB. The chip
interfaces with Ethernet interfaces, among others. Preferably,
there is at least a 80 Mbps data rate on the power line, although
others may desirable. Additional features include an Integrated
10-bit ADC, 10-bit DAC and AGC, a selectable MDI/SPI PHY management
interface, general purpose 8-wire serial PHY data interface.
Preferably, the signal processing uses Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing (OFDM) for high data reliability, as well as
adaptive channel characterization, Viterbi and block coding. In
alternative embodiments, the power line device can also include
other chip designs that are suitable for the present methods and
systems. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0039] In a specific embodiment, the coupler 212 can be any
suitable device capable of injecting and/or receiving power line
signals to and/from a power line, which is coupled to a power line
network. In a specific embodiment,the coupler can be an inductive
coupler and/or capacitive coupler, but may be others. As merely an
example, the coupler (either inductive and/or capacitive coupler),
but can be others. The coupler couples to AC power line 210, which
is provided on the power line network. Additionally, the coupler or
other coupling device is coupled to an RF-11 outlet 619 for
telephone communication. Of course, there can be many variations,
modifications, and alternatives.
[0040] As explained above, only a single power line chip is needed
in the repeater system 200. In contrast to conventional techniques
where two power line chips are necessary for inbound and outbound
traffic, both inbound and outbound network traffic goes through the
same power lien chip, and the routing is controlled by the network
processor 201. For example, the memory 203 includes instructions
for the network processor 201 to control the flow and routing of
network packet.
[0041] As an example, the couple 212 is connected to a power line
network through the AC power. As explained above, the power line
network includes a virtual local area network (VLAN), which is
associated with a first network encryption key. As explained above,
the repeater system 200 is identified by a VLAN ID, which is
associated with a network service type of ID and has a range of
between 2048 to 4096.
[0042] The analog front end device 209 is adapted to receive and
send a data packet in a format that is specifically for data
transmission using orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM)
techniques. As shown in FIG. 2, the analog front end module is
coupled to the coupler, which provides a gateway to the power line
network.
[0043] According to an embodiment, the data packet includes two or
more segment. One segment, which may be the header or the trailer
section of the data packet, is used to include network related
information, such as routing information, the origination entity
and destination entity for the data, etc. The other segment is the
data segment. As an example, the data packet is from a client, and
the header of the data segment indicates that the original entity
is identified by a VLAN ID that has a value of between 1 to
2047.
[0044] The power line chip 207 is configured to receive and convert
the data packet from the analog front end from the OFDM format and
convert it to a different format (e.g., IP format, etc.). The power
line chip 207 is also adapted to convert data packets into OFDM
format for the purpose of outgoing data transmission.
[0045] The network processor 201 is specifically provide network
routing for data packets. For example, the network processor 201
determines where to route a data packet and processes the data
packet accordingly.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the
processing of a downlink data packet according to an embodiment of
the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which
should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and
modifications. For example, various steps may be added, removed,
repeated, rearranged, replaced, modified, and/or overlapped.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, when a data packet is received from the
power line network, the network processor processes the data packet
and determines whether the data packet is a broadcast packet.
According to embodiments, broadcast packets are sent out by various
entities to, among other things, determine how to route data
packets. If the network processor determines that the data packet
is a broadcast packet, the network processor makes a copy of the
data packet, and updates the VID of the copied packet. For example,
the updated VID allows the data packet to be routed corrected. In
an embodiment, the updated VID includes the VID of the repeater,
which ensures that the same data packet does not come back to the
network repeater.
[0048] If the network processor determines that the data packet is
not a broadcast packet, the network processor determines the VID
for the downlink transmission. If the VID is determined to be
incorrect, the network processor drops the packet. On the other
hand, if the VID is determined to be correct, the network processor
processes the data packet to update the VID, which ensures that the
same data packet does not come back to the network repeater and is
properly routed to the intended destination. For example, the
updated VID is associated with the downlink of the repeater
system.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating the
processing of an up link data packet according to an embodiment of
the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which
should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary
skill in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives, and
modifications. For example, various steps may be added, removed,
repeated, rearranged, replaced, modified, and/or overlapped.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, when a data packet is to be sent to the
power line network, the network processor first processes the data
packet and determines whether the data packet is a broadcast
packet. According to embodiments, broadcast packets are sent by
various entities to, among other things, determine how to route
data packets. If the network processor determines that the data
packet is a broadcast packet, the network processor makes a copy of
the data packet, and updates the VID of the copied packet. For
example, the updated VID allows the data packet to be routed
corrected. In an embodiment, the updated VID includes the VID of
the repeater, which ensures that the same data packet does not come
back to the network repeater.
[0051] If the network processor determines that the data packet is
not a broadcast packet, the network processor determines the VID
for the downlink transmission. If the VID is determined to be
incorrect, the network processor drops the packet. On the other
hand, if the VID is determined to be correct, the network processor
processes the data packet to update the VID, which ensures that the
same data packet does not come back to the network repeater and is
properly routed to the intended destination. For example, the
updated VID is associated with the uplink of the repeater system.
When the data packet is sent out from the repeater system, the data
packet does not loop back, as the VID correctly helps identify that
the data packet has already passed through the repeater system.
[0052] It is to be appreciated the embodiments of the present
invention provide software control (e.g., through the network
processor) for routing both incoming and outgoing data. As a
result, the routing of data packet requires only a single port, and
the downlink and uplink data packets are differentiated by the
VIDs. In addition, since VID values are dividied into two groups,
present invention allows VID network entities to properly determine
various routing-related information for data packets. In addition,
since the VIDs are software controlled, various logical
communication links can be established through the network repeater
without having to allocating physical links, thereby allows the
network efficiently allocated the limited resources.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating a repeater
system being used in a power line communication network according
to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely
an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims.
One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 5, the modem 6 functions as a repeater
between the modem 5 and the gateway within a power line
communication network. During the process of relaying data packets,
the repeater updates the VLAN ID of the data packet and provides
the modem with a proxy VLAN ID. As an example, the Table 1 below
shows the VID associated with each of the network entities. As
shown, the modems (e.g., client network) associated with network
VLAN ID of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and the repeater has an VLAN ID of 6. The
modem 5, as shown in FIG. 5, communicates to the gateway through
the repeater using a proxy VLAN ID, which is 4095-5.
TABLE-US-00001 Modem MAC VLAN id Mode of operation "Proxy" VLAN ID
Modem-1 MAC 1 Modem-2 MAC 2 Modem-3 MAC 3 Modem-4 MAC 4 Modem-5 MAC
5 4095-5 Repeater MAC 6 Repeater for Modem-5
[0055] The pseudo codes below illustrates the implementation of the
repeater operation:
TABLE-US-00002 Struct { Uchar Mode_operation; Uchar Modem_mac[6];
Uchar org_vlan_id; Uchar down_fake_vlanid; }
[0056] As an example, the operation has two main steps: (1) MME
packet transaction, and (2) data packet transaction.
[0057] MME packet transaction: when the Repeater receives a MME
packet, it checks for the Destination MAC address. If destination
MAC address is broadcast, then the repeater makes a copy of it. One
packet will be sent to the local processing and other will be sent
on the power line without any modification.
[0058] On the other hand, if the destination MAC address is Modem-5
or Gateway MAC address then it will just send the packet to the
power line without any modification.
[0059] According to embodiments, once the Repeater gets the VLAN ID
from the Gateway, it sends the Vendor specific MME with its mode of
operation and the MAC address of Modem 5 to the gateway. The
gateway then sends a reply to this MME with the following
information if the received MAC (Modem 5) is already authenticated
with it. For example, the reply includes an "Org_vlan_id" of
modem-5 and the modem sends a down_proxy_vlanid. The proxy VLAN ID
is used for down link communication between the gateway and Modem-5
(e.g., down Proxy VLAN ID starts from 3838 and decrements to 3583,
while the up Proxy VLAN ID will starts from 4094 and decrements to
3839).
[0060] Once the Repeater gets a reply from the Gateway, it sends a
Vendor specific MME to Modem-5 with the Proxy VLAN ID, which the
Modem 5 uses to send packets that are destined to the Gateway
(up_Proxy_vlanid). For example, the Proxy VLAN ID is
dn_proxy_vlanid-1.
[0061] For data packet transaction, if a packet is intended for the
repeater, then the Gateway uses the Repeater VLAN ID for
communication. If a packet is intended for the Modem 5, then the
Gateway uses dn_proxy_vlan_id. The Table 2 below provides a
detailed example for Gateway and Modem processes upon receiving or
before transmitting the packet:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Down link (sending packet over the
Powerline) Up link Gateway If GWY is transmitting a pkt over the
power line When the Gateway receives a which is intended for
Modem-5 (or the device packet, it will process the pkt connected
behind it): normally. A: If Gateway receive last packet from
Modem-5 (For Modem-5, packet with or device behind it is tagged
with up_Proxy_vlanid will be accepted up_Proxy_vlanid, too) then it
has to insert Modem-5 vlanid in the pkt. else B: then it has to
insert dn_Proxy_vlanid in the pkt. If GWY is transmitting a pkt
over the power line which is intended to Modem 6 (Repeater) or the
device connected behind that then the Gateway has to use the vlan
id of the Modem 6 (Repeater) in the pkt. Modem If Modem is
transmitting the pkt over the power When the Modem receives a line
then it has to insert up_proxy_vlanid in the packet, it will
process the pkt pkt normally, it is not required to do any extra
check on the pkt. (Modem-5 will also accept packet with
down_Proxy_vlanid packet)
[0062] FIG. 6 is a simplified network flow diagram illustrating the
operation of a repeater system in a power line communication
network. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly
limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.
For example, various steps as shown may be added, removed,
modified, replaced, repeated, and/or overlapped.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the gateway provides an VLAN ID
assignment to through the MME key information exchange to the
repeater. Also, the gateway, provides and VLAN ID key assignment,
which is different, to the modem 5. The repeater requests an VLAN
ID that is for the modem 5 through VS MIME from the gateway. The
gateway then sends the VS MME with the original and downlink VLAN
ID for the modem 5 (with the proxy address of 4095) to the
repeater, which in turn sends to the modem an VS MME with the
original repeater VLAN ID and uplink VLAN ID for the modem.
[0064] During operation, the gateway sends data packets to the
modem 5 through the repeater using the downlink ID for the repeater
and the VLAN ID of the repeater. For the modem to send data packet
to the gateway through the repeater, an uplink VLAN (4090) is used
for the repeater, and then the modem 5 VLAN ID is used for the
gateway.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating a power line
network system that uses two repeater systems according to an
embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an
example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims. One
of ordinary skill in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications. As shown in FIG. 7, the Modem 5
communicates with the gateway through repeaters 1 (R-1) and 2
(R-2). An exemplary operation of the power line network is
illustrated according to Table 3 below:
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Down link Up link Gateway If the gateway is
transmitting the packet When Gateway receives over the power line
which is intended to the packet it will process Modem-5 or the
device connected behind it the packet normally, it is then it has
to insert lev1_dnfake_vlanid not required to do any extra (4095)in
the packet. check on the packet. If the gateway is transmitting the
packet over the power line which is intended to the repeater or the
device connected behind that then it has to insert VLAN ID of the
R-1 (6) in the packet. Repeater-1 If the R-1 is transmitting the
packet over When M/R-1 receives the the power line which is
intended to packet it will check for the Modem-5 or the device
connected behind it VLAN ID, if VLAN is then it has to insert
lev2_dnfake_vlanid 4093 then replace the (4094)in the packet. VLAN
id by Modem-5 If the R-1 is transmitting the packet over VLAN id
(5) and send it the power line which is intended to the R-2 over
the power line. If the or the device connected behind that then it
VLAN ID is same as its has to insert VLAN ID of the R-2 (7) in the
then process the packet packet. normally, it is not required to do
any extra check on the packet. Repeater-2 If the R-2 is
transmitting the packet over When M/R-2 receives the the power line
which is intended to packet it will check for the Modem-5 or the
device connected behind it VLAN ID if VLAN ID is then it has to
insert Modem-5 VLAN ID 4092 then replace the (5)in the packet. VLAN
ID by 4093. If M/R-2 is transmitting the packet over the if VLAN ID
is 4094 then power line which is intended to the R-1 replace the
VLAN ID by then it has to insert VLAN ID of the R-1 VLAN ID of
modem-5 (5) (6) in the packet. and send it over the power If R-2 is
transmitting the packet over the line. power line which is not
intended to above If the VLAN ID is same as 2 then it has to insert
lev2_uplink_vlanid its then process the packet (4093) normally, it
is not required to do any extra check on the packet. Modem If Modem
is transmitting the packet over When Modem receives the the power
line then it has to insert packet it will process the
up_fake_vlanid in the packet (assumed packet normally, it is not
Modem can talk only to gateway or required to do any extra check
devices connected behind it. No Modem to on the packet. Modem
communication is allowed)
[0066] FIG. 8 is a simplified network flow diagram illustrating the
operation of a repeater system in a power line communication
network. This diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly
limit the scope of the claims. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications.
For example, various steps as shown may be added, removed,
modified, replaced, repeated, and/or overlapped.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, the gateway applies VLAN ID assignment
to the repeaters and the modem 5 through MME key information
exchange. The repeater 1 requests from the gateway a VLAN ID for
the repeater 2 using VS MME. The gateway in response provide VLAN
ID for the repeater 1 through the VS MME. The VLAN ID for the
repeater 2 is sent from the repeater 1. The VLAN ID for the modem 5
is sent from the repeater 2.
[0068] During the data packet transmission process from the gateway
to the modem 5, the gateway uses the proxy VLAN ID of 4095, and
repeater 1 uses the proxy VLAN ID of 4094, and the modem 5 uses the
VLAN ID of 5. During the data transmission process from the modem 5
to the gateway, the modem uses the proxy VLAN ID of 4092, the
repeater 2 uses the proxy VLAN ID of 4093, and the gateway receives
the data packet with the modem's VLAN ID of 5.
[0069] Table 4 below illustrates a bridge table for storing VLAN ID
assignment information for an exemplary situation:
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 "Uplink Mode of "Downlink Proxy" Modem MAC
VLAN id operation Proxy" VLAN ID VLAN ID Modem-1 1 MAC Modem-2 2
MAC Modem-3 3 MAC Modem-4 4 MAC Modem-5 5 Modem 4095 4094 MAC
Repeater MAC 6 Repeater for Modem-5
[0070] Under the situation, the modem 5 is connected to gateway
using the repeater, who has a VLAN ID of 6. When both Modem-5 and
Modem/Repeater-6 sends the packet to the Gateway the packet sent by
Modem-5 will have Uplink Proxy VLAN ID (4094) in the packet where
as packet sent by Repeater-6 has the actual VLAN ID of Modem-5
(5).
[0071] When the Gateway receives the packet with the proxy VLAN ID
that indicates that the Gateway can see the Modem-5 directly
without using Repeater, the Gateway informs the Modem-5 to insert
its own VLAN ID (5) instead of PROXY VLAN ID (4094) by sending the
Vendor specific MME. As a result, the future routing does not go
through the repeater (i.e., the gateway determines it is
unnecessary to do so).
[0072] In an embodiment, the Gateway periodically polls for the
Modem status (e.g., check alive) to refresh its Bridge table. As
soon as the Modem looses the connection before purging the entry
for that modem from the Bridge table, Gateway software can check
for the proxy VLAN id for that modem. For example, if proxy VLAN ID
is present for that modem (e.g., it indicates the presence of
repeater in between). Instead of purging the entry in the bridge
table, Gateway can send the Vendor specific request to Modem,
requesting it to use the repeater. If the Gateway gets the Vendor
specific response from the Modem, then it can retain the existing
details. Otherwise the gateway may simply remove the entry from the
Bridge table. In this case Modem might loose the data (connection)
for some duration. In an embodiment, the duration depends on the
timer used for refreshing the bridge table.
[0073] It is to be appreciated that the method describe above
reduces the frequency of back and forth switching between with and
without repeater. For example, the high efficiency can be achieved
through the Gateway and Modem software.
[0074] As an example, the VLAN IDs are assigned to ensure proper
addressing. In an embodiment, the VLAN ID for broadcast data packet
is assigned to "0". The VLAN IDs for modems start from 1 with an
increment of 1 (1 to 2048). The VLAN ID for network services for
pass through traffics (e.g., repeaters, etc) start from 2049 with
an increment of 1 (2049, 2050). The proxy VLAN IDs (Modem repeater)
starts from 4095 with a decrement of 1 (4095, 4094, 4093 . . . ).
As an example, the above assignment does not impact on the VLAN ID
for pass-through data packets. The same method can be used with
VLAN pass-through implementation.
[0075] Typically, in the power line network, the modem can
communicate with repeater, and repeater can communicate with
gateway, while the modem does not communicate with gateway
directly. In certain situations, when the modem communicates with
gateway directly, the continued communication may causes the packet
to be lost. For example, the modem is able to communicate with
gateway directly when the PLC signal between them is good strong.
In other word, when the attenuation between modem and gateway is
less than a threshold level (e.g., 50 dB), the modem is better off
communicating with gateway directly.
[0076] According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a
method for power line communication network. The method includes
providing a virtual local area network (VLAN), which VLAN includes
at least a repeater, a client, and a gateway. The VLAN is
associated with a network encryption key. The repeater is
associated with a first identification. The client is associated
with a second identification. The gateway is associated with a
third identification. The first identification and the third
identification are a service identification type. The second
identification is a client identification type. The method also
includes providing a power line network that is configured to
transmit data through OFDM signaling. The method includes sending a
first data packet in first format from the client through the power
line network. The method additionally includes receiving the first
data packet by the repeater through the power line network at
through a first network interface. The method further includes
converting the first data packet from the first format to a second
format by a power line module of the repeater. The method further
includes processing the first data packet by a network processor of
the repeater. In addition, the method includes determining at least
routing information based at least on the second identification by
the network processor. Also, the method includes updating the first
data packet by the network processor. Moreover, the method includes
converting the processed first data packet from the second format
to the first format. The method includes sending the processed
first data packet to the power line network through the first
network interface. Additionally, the method includes receiving the
processed first data packet by the gateway. For example, the method
is illustrated according FIGS. 2-4.
[0077] According to another embodiment, the present invention
provides a system for a repeater in a power line network. The
system includes a coupler being coupled to a power line network,
which includes a virtual local area network (VLAN). The VLAN is
associated with a first network encryption key. The system is
associated with a first identification that is associated with a
service identification type. The system also includes an analog
front end module that is adapted to receive and send a first data
packet in a first format. The first format comprises an orthogonal
frequency division multiplex (OFDM) format. The analog front end
module is coupled to the coupler. The first data includes a first
segment and a second segment. The first segment includes a second
identification, the second identification being associated with a
client identification type. The system also includes a power line
module being configured to receive and convert the first data
packet from the analog front end from the first format to a second
format and further being configured to convert a second data packet
from the second format into a second format. The power line module
is adapted to send a second data packet, the second data packet
being associated with a third identification. In addition, the
system includes a network processor that is configured to process
the first data packet in the second format. The network processor
is adapted to determine routing information based at least on the
second identification. The network processor is further adapted to
update the second segment to include information associated with
the first identification. For example, the system can be
illustrated according to FIGS. 2-4.
[0078] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have
been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art
that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the
described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the
invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated
embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *